Hydrographers and Offshore Surveyors
Why Get Certified?
Stand out. Level up. Get future-ready.
Certification as a hydrographer or an offshore surveyor offers more than just a credential — it’s a career catalyst. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- A Clear Career Path: Move forward with confidence on a structured, recognized professional journey.
- Credibility That Counts: Showcase your expertise and proven competency in a competitive field.
- Tech-Savvy & Future-Focused: Stay ahead of the curve with up-to-date knowledge of evolving technologies.
- Elevated Industry Profile: Gain recognition and respect as a certified professional.
- Global Readiness: Be positioned for opportunities on the world stage. The CIHC is internationally recognized as a system for certifying and recognizing the competency of individuals as Hydrographic Surveyors.
Certification isn’t just a milestone — it’s your launchpad.
** NEWS and Announcements **
November 2025 – ACLS, CHA, & CHS Announce the Rebranding of ACLS-IHCS to CICH-CHIC. Read more …
January 2025 – Advanced Notice: Mandatory Certification Required for Public Services and Procurement Canada, RFP for Hydrographic Services and Hydrographic Services Supply Arrangement (HSSA). Read more …
About the Certification
Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS), in collaboration with the Canadian Hydrographic Association (CHA), has developed a certification scheme for hydrographers and offshore surveyors. In April 2016, the scheme was officially recognized by the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), a joint body of the International Hydrographic Organization, the International Federation of Surveyors and the International Cartographic Association.
CIHC (previously known as IHCS) was the second competency recognition program in the world to receive IBSC recognition for hydrographic surveyors. It aims to promote IBSC-Accredited Category A and B training in Canada while also establishing clear, standardized pathways for individuals with non-accredited training and experience in hydrographic surveying.
The CIHC offers three levels of certification:
- Certified Hydrographer (CH)
- Certified Hydrographic Technician (CHTech)
- Certified Hydrographic Executive (CHE)
Each level offers multiple pathways to certification. Individuals without IBSC recognized Category A or B training may still qualify through alternative routes based on their experience and competencies.
The program is open to both ACLS-commissioned and non-commissioned offshore surveyors and hydrographers, in Canada and internationally. Download the brochure.
Partners: Certifying Excellence in a Critical Field
Canada is home to the longest coastline in the world, and with more than a third of our territory covered by water, hydrography is not just important—it’s essential. From safe navigation and environmental protection to offshore development and coastal resilience, hydrography underpins vital services that Canadians rely on every day.
Since the Canada Lands Surveys Act was amended in 1978 to include offshore lands, the ACLS has played a leading role in advancing hydrographic and offshore surveying excellence. Through the Canadian International Hydrographic Certification (CIHC), ACLS certifies professionals by rigorously assessing their education, training, and experience against internationally recognized standards. This process ensures public confidence in the competence and integrity of certified hydrographers and offshore surveyors.
Meeting the demands of Canada’s vast and complex marine environments requires more than technical expertise—it requires strong partnerships. ACLS is proud to collaborate with CHA and CHS, whose leadership and dedication continue to shape the future of this critical profession.
Together, as partners, we’re charting a course for safer, smarter, and more sustainable use of Canada’s waters.
Association of Canada Lands Surveyors
Canadian Hydrographic Association
Canadian Hydrographic Service
